How to Be Aerospace Quality Inspector - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 3, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The aerospace industry requires very stringent quality control measures due to the mission-critical nature of its products. Quality inspectors are essential to ensure that aircraft components meet safety and performance standards. Poor quality control can lead to serious consequences, such as accidents, loss of life, and expensive repairs.

Quality inspectors must be highly trained and qualified to assess the quality of components and parts, and document any defects. They must be knowledgeable in the use of a variety of testing and measuring equipment, such as calipers, micrometers, and other precision tools. Quality inspectors must also be able to identify and report any potential problems, such as incorrect tolerances or inadequate safety features.

When done properly, quality inspections can help reduce the risk of accidents, improve customer satisfaction, and increase the overall efficiency of the aerospace industry.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. The first step to become an aerospace quality inspector is to obtain a high school diploma or GED. High school classes in mathematics, science, and technology can help you prepare for this career.
Pursue a Post-Secondary Education. Most employers prefer to hire aerospace quality inspectors who have completed some post-secondary education. A certificate or associates degree program in aerospace technology, quality control, or a related field can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to work in this profession.
Earn Industry Certification. It is highly recommended that aerospace quality inspectors pursue voluntary certification in order to demonstrate their competency in the field. The American Society for Quality (ASQ) offers a Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) credential which requires passing an exam and having at least three years of experience in quality inspection.
Acquire On-the-Job Experience. Most employers will require applicants to have at least two to three years of professional experience before applying for a job as an aerospace quality inspector. You can gain experience by working as an apprentice or intern in the aerospace industry.
Stay Up-to-Date on Developments. As with all other industries, the aerospace industry is constantly changing and evolving. It is important for aerospace quality inspectors to stay up-to-date on the latest developments and technologies in order to perform their job effectively.

The demand for Aerospace Quality Inspectors has grown in recent years due to the increased need for precision within this industry. Having an Aerospace Quality Inspector on staff allows companies to ensure that their products meet the rigorous safety and quality standards required by the aerospace industry. In order to be an ideal and capable inspector, one must have a comprehensive understanding of the technical aspects of aerospace engineering, including metallurgy, welding, and assembly processes.

Furthermore, knowledge of quality assurance principles, such as statistical process control, root cause analysis and corrective action, is essential in order to identify any potential issues before they become a problem. By investing in proper training and certification programs, organizations are able to ensure that their Aerospace Quality Inspectors are well-equipped to do their job efficiently and effectively.

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Job Description

Monitor the production process for non-conforming items and document exceptions.
Analyze and evaluate product quality data, identify trends, and communicate results to management.
Utilize approved testing methods to inspect products for defects or non-conformances.
Investigate customer complaints and take appropriate corrective action.
Maintain/update quality assurance records, such as inspection records, test results, and audit logs.
Utilize quality management systems such as ISO 9001, AS9100, and NADCAP.
Perform calibration activities on measuring and test equipment as required.
Develop, implement, and maintain quality assurance policies and procedures.
Review and approve shop floor documents such as traveler, routing, and process sheets.
Monitor incoming components for conformance to applicable specifications.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Familiarity with aerospace industry standards, including AS9100, ISO 9001, NADCAP, and FAA regulations.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
Knowledge of inspection and test equipment such as micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, etc.
Ability to perform in-process inspections of raw materials and components.
Ability to identify non-conforming parts and materials.
Proficiency in the use of various computer programs such as Microsoft Office, Excel, Access, and CAD software.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think outside the box.
Ability to work accurately under pressure and tight deadlines.

Aerospace Quality Inspectors play a vital role in ensuring the safety of aircraft components and assemblies. They must have a keen eye for detail and be able to detect even the smallest of flaws or defects. In order to effectively perform their duties, Aerospace Quality Inspectors must possess a range of skills that include strong problem-solving abilities, knowledge of relevant engineering principles, excellent communication skills and the ability to read and interpret technical drawings.

These skills are essential for the inspector to accurately identify any flaws that could lead to a faulty assembly or component, which could have serious consequences in terms of aircraft safety. As such, it is vital that Aerospace Quality Inspectors possess these skills in order to ensure that all aircraft parts and assemblies meet the highest safety standards.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in aerospace quality inspection?
How do you ensure that quality standards are met?
What techniques do you use to identify issues and defects?
How do you evaluate and report on the quality of materials?
What is your method for documenting findings and following up on corrective actions?
Can you describe a situation in which you had to make difficult decisions regarding quality control?
What factors do you consider when developing quality control processes?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest aerospace inspection standards?
What strategies do you use to identify areas for improvement within the inspection process?
How do you ensure that all safety standards are met during the inspection process?

Common Tools in Industry

Micrometers. Tool used to measure small distances and diameters, usually in thousandths of an inch (eg: 0. 001").
Calipers. Tool used to measure length, width, or thickness, usually in thousandths of an inch (eg: 0. 002").
Optical Comparator. Machine used to compare physical parts to a drawing or blueprint, by projecting the image onto a screen for comparison (eg: visually inspecting a part for out-of-tolerance dimensions).
CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine). Machine used to measure the dimensions of physical parts, using a probe and a computer to generate a report (eg: comparing the diameter of a part to its blueprint).
Profilometer. Machine used to measure surface roughness, flatness, and other properties (eg: checking the surface finish of a machined part).
Hardness Tester. Machine used to measure the hardness of a material (eg: testing the strength of a metal alloy).
Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge. Tool used to measure the thickness of a material, such as metal or plastic (eg: measuring the wall thickness of a tube).

Professional Organizations to Know

Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG)
American Society for Quality (ASQ)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
National Aerospace Standards Committee (NASC)
International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQua)
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)

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Common Important Terms

Quality Assurance (QA). A set of processes and procedures used to ensure products meet quality standards.
Quality Control (QC). The process of ensuring that a product meets the established standards of quality.
Calibration. The process of checking, adjusting, and verifying the accuracy of measuring equipment or instruments.
Auditing. The systematic examination and evaluation of a companys operations, processes, procedures, and products to ensure compliance with established standards.
Non-Conformance Report (NCR). A document used to record non-conforming materials and products that have failed to meet the required specifications.
Root Cause Analysis (RCA). A process used to identify the underlying cause of a particular problem or event.
Statistical Process Control (SPC). A method of monitoring and controlling processes by using statistical techniques to detect any significant changes in the process.
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA). A structured approach to identify potential failures in a process and evaluate their effects on the system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is an Aerospace Quality Inspector? A1: An Aerospace Quality Inspector is a professional responsible for ensuring that aircraft parts and components meet safety and quality standards. Q2: What qualifications are required to be an Aerospace Quality Inspector? A2: To become an Aerospace Quality Inspector, one typically requires a diploma or degree in Quality Assurance or a related field, as well as a valid certification from the National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program (NADCAP). Q3: What tasks does an Aerospace Quality Inspector perform? A3: An Aerospace Quality Inspector performs a variety of tasks, including inspecting aircraft parts and components for defects, inspecting materials and supplies used in aircraft production, and verifying that processes comply with safety and quality standards. Q4: How much does an Aerospace Quality Inspector earn? A4: The median salary for an Aerospace Quality Inspector is around $64,000 USD per year. Q5: What is the NADCAP? A5: The NADCAP (National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program) is an international accreditation program for aerospace and defense contractors that assesses and certifies the quality of products, processes, and services.